Blog Archives
The Rose
Fragrant rose stands alone
Protected by her thorns
Facing winds, pests, disease
Surrounded by her peers
By herself in a group
She meets her fate head on
Knowing that all blooms fade
Her time is limited
Bud to bloom, path is set
Each petal will unfold
Sharing joy, beauty’s gift
Revealing what’s inside
We’re unique, talented
Our mission is to use
What we have, who we are
To help our fellow man
Sail on, my Captain
Sixteen years ago I wrote the following lighthearted poem in honor of my husband Roger and two friends, Roger and Mike, who raced our sailboat in the 1998 National Catalina Race held in Westbrook, Connecticut. They took first for the tall rig division in all three races. Yes, readers, the sailboat’s name was Sloopy, the inspiration for the fictional 36 foot sloop that Liz and Garret live aboard in Murder in Mystic, Murder in Newport and Two Headed Snake of Key West. Our Sloopy was fast and my husband could make a mighty Margarita.
I am sharing this with you in memory of my husband, who passed away on July 1, 2014. Sail on, my captain.
The pressure was on
To win a glass cup
Each silently prayed
He wouldn’t screw up
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The guy thing, you know
Machismo, at best
The challenge would come
They’d be put to the test
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The good Lord was laughing
As they hoisted the main.
These three would need blessings,
And more, it was plain
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wine made from water
Was easy for sure,
But Roger, Mike, Roger
Three races endure?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The task was immense
But these were nice guys
He raised His arms up
And Sloopy did rise.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
She raced to the finish
Three bullets to boot
Miracles do happen.
There’s proof in the loot.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The lesson each learned,
To celebrate life
Believe in oneself
Be good to your wife.
Free Two Headed Snake of Key West
First chance to get a FREE Amazon kindle copy of Two Headed Snake of Key West, the third Liz Adams Mystery from May 16-18, 2014. Download at http://www.amazon.com/Headed-Snake-West-Adams-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00I47OSEK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1400200376&sr=1-1&keywords=two+headed+snake+of+key+west
If you review it on Amazon by June 14, 2014, I will give you a free kindle copy of your choice- Murder in Mystic or Murder in Newport. Just fill in the contact information below when the review is posted.
Happy Reading!
Free to Good Home
Free To Good Home-
First chance to get a FREE Amazon kindle copy of Two Headed Snake of Key West, the third Liz Adams Mystery from May 16-18. Mark it on your calendar!
If you review it on Amazon, I will give you a free kindle copy of your choice- Murder in Mystic or Murder in Newport. Just fill in the contact information below when the review is posted. Happy Reading!
Time for Summer thoughts and Garret’s Famous Key Lime Margarita
Fresh squeezed juice of 6 Key Limes
1 jigger of silver tequila
1 jigger of Triple Sec
1 jigger of Rose’s lime juice
Shake vigorously. Pour over ice.
Float ½ jigger of Grand Marnier on top
Enjoy! Repeat as needed!
FREEEEEEEEEEEBE
FREE Murder in Newport, Kindle format, April 4-6, 2014, at Amazon.com, http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Newport-Liz-Adams-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00ANS3L3W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396217102&sr=1-1&keywords=murder+in+newport
Two Heads
“There was a huge, black snake with two heads. It was so large that it could swallow a man whole. The heads began to squabble over who was going to eat him. Then I woke up.”
Liz Adams experienced uncontrollable feelings that warned of danger. Her husband, Garret, hated the toll each episode levied and trusted her gut.
Living their dream, Liz and Garret sailed their 36 foot sailboat, Sloopy, from Mystic Connecticut to Key West, Florida, arriving at sunset. The fiery orb melted across the horizon, cannons rumbled, cheers resounded and the partying commenced. While out on the town, the cruising couple stumbled upon Jonathan, a friend from home. That night, the dreams started. Jonathan was in danger.
Runaway wife, possessive husband, predator, the mob, priest, bartender and cruising couple collided at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys. Greed, power and jealousy caused brittle relationships to snap.
Margaret Wilson, fed up with her inattentive husband, Edward, hopped a plane to Key West, where she met Miguel, captain of Predator, a charter boat. Ego driven and afraid of confrontation, Edward hired the mob to do his dirty work. A chased ensued. The priest provided sanctuary. Murder rocked the tiny island. Jonathan discovered the body and was arrested.
Puzzled by her dreams and fragments of psychic messages, Liz snooped for missing pieces to complete the picture and free her friend. Knowing that his wife hunted like a bloodhound on a scent, Garret had her back to keep her safe.
Two heads of the snake, good and evil, struggled from beginning to end until one was victorious. Each made a choice and lived with the consequences.
WANT TO READ MORE~ Two Headed Snake of Key West- Available in Paperback and Kindle formats. Visit Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=marilyn%20dalla%20valle&sprefix=maril%2Cstripbooks&rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3Amarilyn%20dalla%20valle
Finally Here
Finally! Long awaited Two Headed Snake of Key West has been published in paperback and kindle format. Find it on Amazon. Join me in the celebration with one of Garret’s margaritas.
Garret’s Key West Margarita
Fresh squeezed juice of 6 Key Limes
1 jigger of silver tequila
1 jigger of Triple Sec
1 jigger of Rose’s lime juice
Shake vigorously. Pour over ice.
Float ½ jigger of Grand Marnier on top
Enjoy! Repeat as needed!
Review
Reviews help me to improve as a writer and storyteller. I am so grateful for the time and effort that Rockin’ Book Reviews took to read Murder in Newport. Please visit their site at
http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
Murder in Newport Audiobook Giveway
Free Murder in Newport Audiobook Giveaway. First 10 to register on the contact form at www.marilyndallavalle.com will receive a free audiobook download at audible.com.